College of the Rockies Men’s volleyball coach, Cisco Farrero, not only embraces the College’s vision to create and deliver the most personal student experience in Canada, he expands upon it.
Dining at a local restaurant after the team’s Friday, February 2nd game, Cisco was approached by a mom and her young son, Ashlei, from Sandpoint, Idaho, who asked if the team would autograph Ashley’s volleyball.
Our men’s team had just lost their match in three sets that evening; Cisco had reason to be a little grumpy. Instead his response was “yes, absolutely!”
Ashlei loves volleyball but as there isn’t any high-level men’s teams near Sandpoint he did some research to find a team close by, which led him to College of the Rockies’ Avalanche across the border in Canada.
Having a volleyball signed for young Ashlei wasn’t enough for Cisco, however. When Ashley arrived at the Saturday matches, Cisco presented him with an Avs shirt which he proudly donned as he danced in the crowd during the women’s match.
Cisco shared Ashlei’s story with the game’s head official, who then asked Ashlei to perform the coin toss before the men’s game. At the end of the evening, Cisco brought Ashlei onto the court to meet the players, have his volleyball signed, and to have his photo taken with the team.
After such a special experience, Ashlei and his mom said they’ll be back again next year. We can’t wait to have them back – and Ashlei, coach Cisco will have tickets for those home games waiting for you.
The generosity Cisco displayed for this young man is a wonderful example of why we are small college proud. We are grateful to have folks like him as part of our College family.